Apparatus for heat sealing plastic strapping

Abstract

An apparatus for heat sealing two pieces of plastic strapping together. The apparatus includes a heating element, upper and lower pressure elements, a rotation actuation member and a sealing actuation assembly. The heating element is movable between an engaged heating position--which orients the heat element between the pieces of plastic strapping--and a retracted position. The lower pressure element exerts pressure upon at least the bottom piece of plastic strapping during the heating of same by the heating element, and, in cooperation with the upper pressure element, upon both pieces of plastic strapping again during direct attachment of the melted portions of the plastic strapping after the heating element is relocated to its retracted position. The lower pressure element may further release pressure while facilitating the placement and removal of the pieces of plastic strapping between the upper and lower pressure elements and may also at least partially disengage the plastic strapping from the heating element so as to facilitate its retraction. The rotation actuation member is operably associated with the sealing actuating assembly to impart rotation to same, while sequencing the operations of the heating element and the upper and lower pressure elements through a unidirectional, rotational cycle, to, in turn, ultimately weld the pieces of plastic strapping together. This rotation actuation member may be driven manually or by use of a motor.